Hong Kong Pleco
IntermediateGastromyzon punctulatus
A small hillstream fish from the streams of Borneo. It flattens itself against rock and rasps algae from the surface, and it needs strong flow and cool, oxygen-rich water.
Gastromyzon punctulatus is a hillstream fish of the streams of Borneo. FishBase gives a standard length of 6.5cm and a habitat temperature of 23-25C. The body is flattened, and the spread paired fins act as a sucker that holds it in place against fast current. The genus name Gastromyzon comes from the Greek for belly and to suck, describing that structure. The genus contains many close relatives and its taxonomy is still being revised; FishBase records this species from the 1961 description by Inger and Chin. As with others in the family, flow and dissolved oxygen are the keys to keeping it, but FishBase lists no pH, hardness or tank size, and Seriously Fish has no separate profile, so no aquarium figures beyond temperature are given here. Its diet is presumed to be mainly algae and micro-organisms rasped from rock. The IUCN assessed it as Least Concern in 2019.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Borneo Sucker grows to About 6.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Borneo Sucker is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Borneo)
Size
About 6.5cm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Sources: FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Gastromyzon punctulatus Inger & Chin, 1961
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Benthic algae, vegetable-based dried foods
No primary source giving a minimum tank size could be confirmed. As with others in the family, the setup assumes stacked river stones offering plenty of surfaces to cling to, with a strong current through them.
FishBase records 23-25C in the wild. Neither FishBase nor Seriously Fish gives pH or hardness, so these could not be confirmed. Clean, well-oxygenated water is a prerequisite.
No primary source on compatibility could be confirmed. Because it grazes algae, it will go short of food if many competitors for the same resource are present.
Its staple is presumed to be algae and micro-organisms rasped from rock. Maintain conditions in which algae grow, and supplement with vegetable-based dried foods when they run short.
No primary source on breeding could be confirmed, and FishBase records no spawning details.
The genus holds many close relatives and identification is not straightforward. Assume shipments may contain other species, and examine condition and form when choosing. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Borneo Sucker is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Borneo Sucker typically reaches About 6.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Borneo Sucker feeds on: Benthic algae, vegetable-based dried foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Borneo Sucker varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026
